Image display device

ABSTRACT

An image display device including a projecting arrangement disposed in proximity with a transparent surface, the transparent surface being configured to receive an image from the projecting arrangement on a first side of the transparent surface, wherein the image is viewable from a second opposite side of the transparent surface.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation application of the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/860,976 filed on 25 Sep. 2007, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, and priority to which is claimed under 35 U.S.C. § 120. The Ser. No. 11/860,976 application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/847,274 filed 25 Sep. 2006, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference and priority to which is also claimed herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure relates generally to an image display device, and more particularly to a display device for automobile windows.

BACKGROUND

Automobiles are sometimes exhibited for promotional reasons in arenas such as malls, car shows, car dealerships, casinos, and event promotions. When exhibited in this manner, the various areas of the automobile (particularly the automobile windows and windshield) are often used to display the intended promotional message. Typically, these messages are conveyed/displayed via stationary words or pictures fixed to the chosen area of the automobile. It would be desirable however, if promotional images could be displayed in a manner that would better convey the promotional message.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An image display device including a projecting arrangement disposed in proximity with a transparent surface, the transparent surface being configured to receive an image from the projecting arrangement on a first side of the transparent surface, wherein the image is viewable from a second opposite side of the transparent surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a view of an image displayed by an window display device/system at a rear window of an automobile;

FIG. 2 is a view of an image displayed by the window display device/system at side windows of an automobile;

FIG. 3 is a view of an image displayed by the window display device/system at one of the side windows of the automobile of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 4 is a view of an image displayed by the window display device/system at a windshield of an automobile.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The window display device/system includes projectors, mounting devices, lenses/optics, image supply devices, screen surfaces, cooling devices, power supply, and window masking. The window display device may be used to project an image onto any type of transparent surface, such as a window. In an exemplary embodiment, these transparent surfaces/windows are the windows of an automobile, such as any car, truck, or SUV. The components of the window display device are described hereinbelow and in the FIGS. 1-4.

The number of projectors in each installation varies from one, if only a windshield or back window is done, to any number of windows on the automobile (typically eight, for an SUV with the glass surfaces are done. The primary characteristic that these projectors typically have is small size. In an exemplary embodiment, the projector length is approx. 15 inches or less, with the height being approx. 5 inches or less. The width will typically be no wider than 13 inches.

In an exemplary embodiment, the brightness of these projectors varies from approx. 1100 lumens to approx. 4500 lumens depending on the size of the particular glass area on which they are used, as well as with the vehicle model and type used. (For example the easiest, to cover completely, would be the SUVs because they have many smaller glass areas which are primarily vertical). The back window of a two seater hatchback, being both large and oblique would be the most difficult, and would probably require a mirror or pair of mirrors to execute.

Also in an exemplary embodiment, resolution of the projectors should be at least VGA to provide adequate image quality, although NTSC video can be used if sharpness is not an issue, or if content such as race footage is used, which will have significant picture noise and softness anyway.

The projectors are typically mounted on mounting devices, and a variety of projector mounting devices can be designed and custom built for specific applications. The mounts to hold the projectors that do the side back windows are basically adjustable ramps. The mounts for the windshields typically include an adjustable horizontal rod to span the roof handles combined with a hanging pan that will play approximately over the center of the rear seat. The mount for the back window is a pedestal base that can be stabilized by clamps to the center console. Certain other applications will require other similar-but-different arrangements. Additionally included in some window display device applications are regular rectangular boxes, shims, and in some cases adjustable mirror brackets.

In an exemplary embodiment, the projectors of the window display devices are also fitted with lensing of the shortest focal length available. This means that projectors that include permanent prime lenses with a very small amount of zoom adjustment may require external short focal length adapters. The larger projectors may need 1:1 ratio special lenses or shorter. All lensing can be non-standard, but achieved by the use of buyable components.

As mentioned above the window display device also includes Image supply devices. In an exemplary embodiment, the most adaptable way to provide image content is via computers. In the event that multiple images are used, multiple servers are required. If multiple windows play the same image the signal can be split using distribution amplifiers. If the determination is made that NTSC video is adequate the playback can be DVDs. If multiple images are to be executed from DVDs then synch-able DVDs (professional quality units) may to be used.

Referring now to the screen surfaces, most of the rear projection surfaces designed to operate in high ambient light conditions may be hard” plexiglass mounted materials. The typical curvature of automobile windows requires a more flexible material and one that can be trimmed to fit the surfaces. The material also must be able to be adhered to the windows with a squeegee-type device. In an exemplary embodiment, a material known as Dilad (typically used in store windows and other retail applications, and made by Kimoto of Japan) may be used. Other projection material such as “Thru-vision” or “Datex” may also be used.

The window display device and its components may also need to be cooled. With 8 projectors running in a vehicle with the sunroof open, automobile interior temperature can be limited to 115 degrees. In general, all applications (including the sunroof one) will require some kind of HVAC. If one were to run the car one could open the sunroof and run the car air circulation system. If the car is not running (as is typical) suction and circulation will have to be provided.

Referring to power supply, the window display devices can be run by “shore power” or car batteries using a voltage inversion system (12 volts in: 110 volts out). Using the car batteries however, could require provision of a means of constant recharge.

Also included in the window display device system is window masking. Since automobile windows may not correspond perfectly with video/data formats, shutter arrangements may be provided to adjust geometry of the display to the windows of the vehicle. This is another set of custom designed and made hardware like the mounts.

In addition, directional sound (for outside of the vehicle) may be provided with the window display device/system.

Also, some applications may require first-surface mirrors and mounts to reflect the images where they have to go. When multiple image display is used, there may be a need to produce the content to synch within itself, and to rescale for the different shapes and sizes of glass. That way an image can drive halfway around the display vehicle or all the way around the display vehicle in a synchronous way. Installation will typically be done by a professional, and the device/system may be used in car shows (i.e. NYC Car Show and Car Performance shows), at car dealerships, in vehicles placed in malls (sell advertising to stores in malls for additional advertising space), in vehicles in Casinos (sell advertising to stores, event promotions (i.e. boxing, concerts, performances in casinos for additional advertising space), with outdoor media buyers, in event promotions (stadiums (NASCAR, PGA, MLB, NFL, Tennis, NHL) movie releases, concerts (tour buses) air shows and motor-cross), and by beverage companies and pharmaceutical companies.

It should be appreciated that the images displayed in any window via the window display device/system may be displayed in a manner that fills at least a portion of any automobile window, though the whole area of the window may or may not be filled. 

1. An image display device comprising: a projecting means disposed in proximity with a transparent surface, said transparent surface being configured to receive an image from said projecting means on a first side of said transparent surface, wherein said image is viewable from a second opposite side of said transparent surface.
 2. The image display device of claim 1, wherein the transparent surface is disposed in a window of a motor vehicle. 